Ain Al Thawarah

Oman

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Beyond the date plantations that surround Nakhal Fort, this hot spring emerges from the wadi walls and is directed into a falaj (immigration channel) for the irrigation of the surrounding plantations. There are usually children and goats splashing in the overspill. Look out for the flash of turquoise-winged Indian rollers, among other birds, attracted to the oasis. Picnic tables with shelters, a store and toilets make it popular at weekends.

Take the short cut back to the main road for a fine view of the plantations.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Oman, Nachl, Fort Nakhl

    Nakhal Fort

    1.32 MILES

    Built on the foundations of a pre-Islamic structure, the towers and entrance of this fort were constructed during the reign of Imam Said Bin Sultan in…

  • Rustaq Fort

    Rustaq Fort

    25.57 MILES

    Two cannons mark the interior courtyard of this enormous fort – the entrance alone signals its former importance. Built on top of pre-Islamic foundations,…

  • Qasra Museum

    Qasra Museum

    25.21 MILES

    Tucked into the unlit and crumbling old quarter of Rustaq, behind the fort, this unique museum is the personal project of the owner, Zakia Al Lamki. Left…

  • Al Ghasham Museum House

    Al Ghasham Museum House

    5.79 MILES

    This fortified residence has hosted royalty on two occasions in its 300-year history. Now the sensitively restored, mud-brick house has been converted…

  • Sharfat Al Alamayn Viewpoint

    Sharfat Al Alamayn Viewpoint

    29.93 MILES

    Marking the highest point along the paved road, this spectacular viewpoint overlooks the full reach of the Hajar mountain range. With little hint of the…

  • Wadi Bani Awf

    Wadi Bani Awf

    22.35 MILES

    This spectacular wadi is a major artery through the mountains and often flows year-round with spring water. It looks particularly gorgeous when mountain…

  • Diana's Viewpoint

    Diana's Viewpoint

    23.27 MILES

    The rim of the cliff here, with its celebrated panoramic view of the farmed terraces below, has a royal connection. Diana, Princess of Wales, enjoyed this…

  • Watchtower

    Watchtower

    17.04 MILES

    You have to pity the donkeys of the past who, until the 1980s, had to trudge up the punishingly steep track, laden with supplies, to reach the village of…

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Nearby Oman attractions

1. Plantations

0.5 MILES

The road through Nakhal, from the fort to Ayn Thawarah hot springs, winds through a dense plantation of dates. Enough light passes through the feathery…

2. Nakhal Fort

1.32 MILES

Built on the foundations of a pre-Islamic structure, the towers and entrance of this fort were constructed during the reign of Imam Said Bin Sultan in…

3. Harrat Asfalah

5.53 MILES

An old mosque lies at the heart of this crumbling fortification. Visitors are allowed (with shoes removed) to step into the outer are of the mosque where…

4. Al Ghasham Museum House

5.79 MILES

This fortified residence has hosted royalty on two occasions in its 300-year history. Now the sensitively restored, mud-brick house has been converted…

5. Wadi Mistal

10.17 MILES

Less wadi and more an extension of the Batinah Plain, Wadi Mistal leads through a narrow gap in the mountains to an enormous desert basin. Dotted with…

6. Watchtower

17.04 MILES

You have to pity the donkeys of the past who, until the 1980s, had to trudge up the punishingly steep track, laden with supplies, to reach the village of…

7. Picnic Shelter

17.4 MILES

Marking the end point of national Walking Route 25, this small pavilion has yet another spectacular vista across the Al Ghubra Basin a thousand metres…

8. Al Awabi Castle

19.63 MILES

Functioning less as a sight in its own right, picturesque though it may be, this fort as an excellent landmark for the slightly obscure entrance into Wadi…